Sandbag and target apparatus in which the target also serves as a carrying case

ABSTRACT

An indoors or outdoors sandbag tossing and point-scoring game device characterized by a pair of like wedge-shaped half-sections which when assembled and latched, provide a carrying and transporting case. When unfastened and parted these sections can be used, individually or collectively, as sandbag-trapping targets. In use, each half-section provides an inclined surface and has a centralized sandbag-receiving hole.

United States Patent Richard M. Mudlotl 6921 Vaughan St., Detroit, Mich. 48228 18,559

Mar. 11, 1970 Dec. 21, 1971 lnventor Appl. No. Filed Patented SANDIAG AND TARGET APPARATUS IN WHICH THE TARGET ALSO SERVES AS A CARRYING CASE 3 China, 4 Drawing Figs.

11.8. C1 .1 273/105 R, 220/55 T int. Cl A631, 63/00 Field 01 Search 273/ R,

R; 46/1 1; 190/19; 220/4 E, 55 A, 55 T; /52 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,291,104 7/1942 Radzyner 273/1 R 3,504,787 4/1970 Brockway 206/12-R 2,206,848 7/1940 McAvoy 220/55 T Primary Exaininer-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Marvin Siskind Attorneys-Clarence A. O'Brien and Harvey B. Jacobson ABSTRACT: An indoors or outdoors sandbag tossing and point-scoring game device characterized by a pair of like wedge-shaped half-sections which when assembled and latched, provide a carrying and transporting case. When unfastened and parted these sections can be used, individually or collectively, as Sandbag-trapping targets. In use, each half-sci;- tion provides an inclined surface and has a centralized sandbag-receiving hole.

SANDBAG AND TARGET APPARATUS IN WHICH THE TARGET ALSO SERVES AS A CARRYING CASE This invention relates to a portable game-playing device which lends itself to use by rival participants and has to do, more particularly, with a hollow boxlike case made up of a pair of companion properly paired half-sections which when lined up and placed together in face-to-face relationship and separably fastened provide a desirable storing and carrying case and when separated can be spotted atop a stationary support surface in manner to provide trapping targets for the sandbags which are tossed by the participating players.

As will be hereinafter more fully understood the case-forming half-sections provide targets which are capable of being used, singly or collectively. For example one half-section can be set or positioned for use while practicing. Primarily, however, both targets are set from feet apart (for youngsters) to 35 feet apart (for adults) and are used in a manner similar to upstanding stakes such as are commonly employed when tossing horseshoes or quoits back and forth between the stakes.

One aspect of the overall concept has to do with a game which lends itself to use indoors or outdoors and which, as a general rule, can be satisfactorily played by one or more players and which is comparable, generally stated, to playing horseshoes or quoits. A second aspect of the concept pertains to the manner of constructing and using wedge-shaped members as sandbag receiving and trapping targets. Then, too, novelty is predicted on the utilization of two correspondingly constructed and perfonning targets which are designed and adapted to be latched together.

Briefly, the game-playing device lends itself to feasible use by rival participants when pitching, tossing or throwing individual distinguishably different but correspondingly sized sand-loaded or equivalently weighted bags. To the ends desired the device comprises a hollow boxlike case made up of a pair of traylike half-sections having coacting alignable and quick separable fasteners which when aligned and assembled in face-to-face relationship with their open sides confronting each other provide a boxlike carrying and transporting case. At least one of the half-sections is provided with an accessibly attached conveniently located handgrip for handling purposes. The half-sections are wedge shaped and when spotted for game playing use atop a support surface they function as targets. Each target provides a forwardly and downwardly inclined main wall surface on which the tossed bag must stay put for scoring purposes, this surface being centrally provided with a receiving and sinking hole of predetermined size and shape for best results.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective with a portion of the inclined bag landing and shunting wall broken away to show an accompanying cleat and which shows how the illustrated half-section is set up for use and reception of the oncoming sandbag.

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective showing both half-sections properly fitted together and latched and defining the aforementioned storing and transporting case.

FIG. 3 is a section taken approximately on the plane of the irregular section line 3-3 of FIG. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view on a suitably enlarged scale showing a fixed assembling cleat on one of the rim walls.

As is evident particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3 the aforementioned storing and carrying case is preferably but not necessarily of hollow rectangular shape. It is characterized, generally stated, by a pair of correspondingly constructed and performing traylike companion half-sections-one of which is designated bythe numeral 6 and the other one by the numeral 8. The fact that these half-sections are substantially alike in construction makes it convenient to define each half-section using like numerals for like parts thereof. Each half-section comprises a substantially rectangular main wall or panel 10 which when in use in the manner shown in FIG. 1 provides an inclined landing surface or ramp for the sandbag 12. This main wall is provided at the exact center with a circular opening or hole 14 which is of a size and shape to accommodatingly receive the sandbag 12 in the manner suggested in FIG. 1, that is when the game is being played. Each main wall is provided around its marginal edges with depending auxiliary rim walls one of which may be referred to as a relatively narrow front wall 16 (FIG. 1), a comparatively wide rear or back rim wall 18 and triangulate sidewalls 20. The lower edges 22 of these rim walls are in a common plane, that is when the section 8 is set up for use, and are capable of being supported on the floor or other playing surface. The wall 18 in each instance is provided with a substantially rectangular cleat one end portion 24 of which is superimposed on the interior wall surface and is riveted or otherwise fixed in place as at 26. The protruding tonguelike extension 28 provides a guide and stabilizing keeper which can be employed in the manner shown in FIG. 1 when assembled or used as a rest and when employed in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1. This protruding portion coacts with extended portions 30 on the components 32 which are fixed to the rim wall in the manner shown. The component parts 30 and 32 cooperate in latching relationship with companion component parts 34 and which provide desired suitcase type latches which are denoted generally at 36 and function in the manner illustrated, when closed, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in particular.

In addition to the accessible exterior latches each half-section is provided on a central part of the rim wall 18 with a cleat. One end portion 38 of the cleat is riveted in place as at 40 and the other projecting end portion 42 extends beyond the coacting edge 22 whereby said cleats serve as guides and stabilizers and assist in assembling the half-sections 6 and 8 in the manner shown in FIG. 3 in particular.

When the half-sections 6 and 8 are aligned in confronting and face-to-face relationship they coordinate in providing a substantially rectangular storing and carrying case for the hand-tossed bags 12 (not detailed). For convenience of handling and carrying a suitable and conventional-type handgrip 44 is provided as brought out in FIGS. 2 and 3.

When the half-sections 6 and 8 are unlatched and separated each half-section becomes a target and serves in the manner shown in FIG. 1. At this time the projections 30 rest on the floor or other support surface and-the centralized cleat, that is the extending tongue 28 thereof, also rests on the floor. It follows that these component parts 28 and 30 provide a threepoint suspension for the in-use target. When used. on the ground the projections can be forced slightly into the surface. When used on a rug, they provide antiskid members.

In practice any number of sand-loaded bags 12 can be provided. Ordinarily, and as experience has shown, about six bags will be sold as component parts of the overall game. When the bags are not in use they can be stored (not shown) in the sectional case. In addition, it should be pointed out that all of the sandbags are of the same size, weight and form. However each bag is striped or distinctively colored to promote recognition by the players generally two or four players as the case may be.

While one player can set up both targets 6 and 8 (not illustrated) and play himself a game" primarily for practice, best results are achieved when two or four players choose partners and compete with each other. It is generally suggested that when men are playing the targets shall be placed 35 feet apart. Women prefer setting the targets about 25 feet apart. Children do best when the targets are set 10 to 20 feet, as agreed before the game begins. The tossed or thrown bag must land and stay put on the inclined ramp" to score I point. If the bag hits the V bull's-eye and passes through the hole into the trap the player it is to be understood that the manner of use and the rules and regulations for playing the game can and will be varied as is generally permissible when using game apparatus and devices of the character shown and described.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A game-playing device constructed for use by rival participants and which has to do with tossing individual, distinguishably different, but correspondingly sized and weighted sand-loaded or equivalent bags from a redetermined area of play, said device comprising a portable hollow boxlike case embodying a pair of duplicate traylike nonhinged but coordinating half-sections which when in use, constitute individual spaced-apart targets, each half-section embodying a planar main wall, said main wall having marginal edge portions provided with integral right angularly adjoined complemental walls which are oriented with each other and also with said main walls and provide an encompassing rim, the central portion of said main wall having a hole therein of a predetermined shape and size for reception and passage of the aforementioned sand-loaded bags, each half-section being wedgeshaped in side elevation when being used and having an open side opposite to and spaced from said main wall, said open side facing a suitable underlying support surface when said target is in a predetennined game playing position, the open sides of the respective half-sections being adapted to be aligned and oriented in face-to-face relationship and in a manner to provide a novel boxlike bag storing and carrying case, suitcase-type fasteners accessibly mounted on exterior surfaces of certain ones of said rim walls and functioning to align and separably join the half-sections in case-forming relationship, one wall of at least one of said half-sections being provided with an accessibly mounted handgrip, predetermined interior surfaces of certain ones of said rim walls being provided with fixedly mounted half-section aligning and assembling cleats, each cleat having a free end portion projecting beyond an adjacent edge of the associated rim wall and constituting a guide, that is, a guide for lining up the half-sections when assembled face-to-face and having the additional function of stabilizing and providing retaining means for said half-sections when they are fastened together in case-forming relationship.

2. The game-playing device defined in and according to claim I. and wherein the tray-forming rim of each half-section embodies a relatively narrow front wall, a spaced parallel vertically widened backwall, and forwardly tapering wedgeshaped sidewalls, said sidewalls joining corresponding end portions of said front and backwalls, said front, backwall and sidewalls having coactirlg free lengthwise edges which when in game-playing position are disposed in a common support surface-contacting plane, said suitcase fasteners being mounted on exterior marginal edge portions of oriented front and bacltvvalls.

3. A sandbag game-playing device characterized by a portable hollow boxlike case which when in use is adapted to store, carry and transport a plurality of distinguishably different, correspondingly sized and weighted sand-loaded or equivalent bags, said case embodying a pair of correspondingly constructed and usable nonhinged but complemental traylike half-sections, each half-section when placed in a position of use atop a floor or other support surface constituting a target, each half-section embodying a planar main wall having a laterally depending encompassing rim, said rim comprising a relatively narrow front wall, a spaced parallel vertically widened backwall, and forwardly tapering wedge-shaped sidewalls interposed between and joining corresponding end portions of the front and backwalls, respectively, all of said walls when said target is in use having coacting free lengthwise edges WhlCh are disposed in a common support surface-contacting plane, that side of said half-section opposite and 0p posed to said main wall being open, said front wall having an exterior surface provided with fasteners, said fasteners being situated at the respective outer end portions of said front wall, a median interior surface portion of said backwall being pro vided with a rigid fixedly mounted cleat, said cleat having a free end portion projecting beyond an adjacent edge portion of said backwall, said cleat being located in a position midway between the locale of the aforementioned fasteners, said main wall being adapted to assume a forwardly and downwardly inclined position when said target is being used, said main wall having a central portion provided with a bag-receiving and sinking hole of a predetermined size and shape, 

1. A game-playing device constructed for use by rival participants and which has to do with tossing individual, distinguishably different, but correspondingly sized and weighted sand-loaded or equivalent bags from a predetermined area of play, said device comprising a portable hollow boxlike case embodying a pair of duplicate traylike nonhinged but coordinating halfsections which when in use, constitute individual spaced-apart targets, each half-section embodying a planar main wall, said main wall having marginal edge portions provided with integral right angularly adjoined complemental walls which are oriented with each other and also with said main walls and provide an encompassing rim, the central portion of said main wall having a hole therein of a predetermined shape and size for reception and passage of the aforementioned sand-loaded bags, each half-section being wedge-shaped in side elevation when being used and having an open side opposite to and spaced from said main wall, said open side facing a suitable underlying support surface when said target is in a predetermined game playing position, the open sides of the respective half-sections being adapted to be aligned and oriented in face-to-face relationship and in a manner to provide a novel boxlike bag storing and carrying case, suitcasetype fasteners accessibly mounted on exterior surfaces of certain ones of said rim walls and functioning to align and separably join the half-sections in case-forming relationship, one wall of at least one of said half-sections being provided with an accessibly mounted handgrip, predetermined interior surfaces of certain ones of said rim walls being provided with fixedly mounted half-section aligning and assembling cleats, each cleat having a free end portion projecTing beyond an adjacent edge of the associated rim wall and constituting a guide, that is, a guide for lining up the half-sections when assembled face-to-face and having the additional function of stabilizing and providing retaining means for said half-sections when they are fastened together in case-forming relationship.
 2. The game-playing device defined in and according to claim 1 and wherein the tray-forming rim of each half-section embodies a relatively narrow front wall, a spaced parallel vertically widened backwall, and forwardly tapering wedge-shaped sidewalls, said sidewalls joining corresponding end portions of said front and backwalls, said front, backwall and sidewalls having coacting free lengthwise edges which when in game-playing position are disposed in a common support surface-contacting plane, said suitcase fasteners being mounted on exterior marginal edge portions of oriented front and backwalls.
 3. A sandbag game-playing device characterized by a portable hollow boxlike case which when in use is adapted to store, carry and transport a plurality of distinguishably different, correspondingly sized and weighted sand-loaded or equivalent bags, said case embodying a pair of correspondingly constructed and usable nonhinged but complemental traylike half-sections, each half-section when placed in a position of use atop a floor or other support surface constituting a target, each half-section embodying a planar main wall having a laterally depending encompassing rim, said rim comprising a relatively narrow front wall, a spaced parallel vertically widened backwall, and forwardly tapering wedge-shaped sidewalls interposed between and joining corresponding end portions of the front and backwalls, respectively, all of said walls when said target is in use having coacting free lengthwise edges which are disposed in a common support surface-contacting plane, that side of said half-section opposite and opposed to said main wall being open, said front wall having an exterior surface provided with fasteners, said fasteners being situated at the respective outer end portions of said front wall, a median interior surface portion of said backwall being provided with a rigid fixedly mounted cleat, said cleat having a free end portion projecting beyond an adjacent edge portion of said backwall, said cleat being located in a position midway between the locale of the aforementioned fasteners, said main wall being adapted to assume a forwardly and downwardly inclined position when said target is being used, said main wall having a central portion provided with a bag-receiving and sinking hole of a predetermined size and shape. 